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| Truce by meckinock | 24 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/20/2008 |
| Well, since I didn't put any notes down when I first read this, I had to re-read it... and marvelled again at the story. It is excellent - all the way around. I've been touched by so many parts that I can't put it all down. First though - is the level of tension - it begins with chapter one and just flows through the rest. Bravo! I loved the opening paragraph - the detail is so vivid. And I like Turgon - a definitely despicable, though lovable character. Here's just some things that took me - Soldiers spreading straw, hiding his amusement, not begrudging the homesickness, welcome... captain's absence, rank has its privileges, begetting brats, manuevering for her attack, not all defeat is bitter, war is much simpler, nearly inconceivable to imagine, threaten his standing with his own father, like mice in a cornfield, steward's favorite captain - all great phrases that tell so much! I loved D's intuitive style of leadership that begins with the paragraph - Denethor sighed and sat back on his heels.... I remember as a child, tucking my hands into my armpits to warm them - in the midst of too much fun to stop and go inside to warm up... shows his determination. Again - incredible good chapter that just nailed me to the wall. I can't stop reading now!!! Congrats! Author Reply: Hi, Agape4Gondor, I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and thanks for reviewing. I meant for this to be a much shorter story than it turned out to be. Once I started writing Denethor he just wouldn't let me go. Such is the power of the character, I think. So much determination, as you noted, so much dignity and force of will, such a keen intellect and such a fierce dedication to Gondor. He's a pleasure to write, as you well know! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/5/2008 |
| Our captain lies over that drop, does he? Am glad for twenty/twenty hindsight, knowing he DID survive, at least. But where is he at the moment? Injured, perhaps? Author Reply: Injured, perhaps? Considering how bruised I am from falling over a fence this morning, he should be dead ;-) | |
| Imaginigma | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/11/2007 |
| Blimey, a new story by you. How wonderful! That made my day. *huge grin* I am so glad to see you write about Denethor; although I am not a great fan of him and have read few stories that feature him so far, his history is quite fascinating and one has to wonder how he was before he was driven insane. And of course we have Aragorn in here, an injured Aragorn none the less. What more does a readers heart desire? So, on to chapter two, I suppose. Jipee! Imaginigma :o) Author Reply: *grins back* It feels great to know I was able to brighten your day. I was never all that interested in Denethor, either, until all of a sudden one day he jumped up and grabbed me by the throat LOL. I think he's fascinating because there's so much nobility in him, and good intentions, but also undercurrents of darker traits. What more does a readers heart desire? I guess to actually get to see Aragorn, I suppose LOL. But if you've moved on to the next chapter, you've found him by now :-) | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/22/2007 |
| I usually do not pursue Aragorn stories. So, shoot me. But, this had a younger Denethor in it and I do have a soft spot in my heart for the tragic fellow. Man oh man, I am glad I read this. This is great writing and a wonderful treatment of the man that becomes the Steward of Gondor during the War of the Ring. I am really looking forward to the next installment. No problem with Aragorn remaining the elusive object of the Captain-general's adventure and angst. :) Author Reply: Hi, Redheredh, I usually do not pursue Aragorn stories. LOL. Good; we're even, because I don't usually pursue Denethor stories, either :-) Although do find myself definitely developing a soft spot in my heart for him, too. I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far, even though I'm afraid Thorongil is going to become slightly less elusive soon. Oh, well, you said that was all right, right? Hmmm. Maybe not. Anyhow, thanks very much for reading and reviewing. It's reassuring to hear from a Denethor fancier that I'm not totally off the mark with him. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/21/2007 |
| That has to be one of the best openings to a story! I love hungover Denethor. And in just a few lines you’ve got across the general damp misery of the place. Not to mention Denethor’s distinct lack of fondness for the more charismatic Thorongil. It apparently didn’t help that it was in toasting Thorongil that Denethor acquired this headache :-) I’m going to admit that I don’t generally seek out Denethor stories but I really like your take on him. He’s a very real person, sort of dark and sardonic… not quite cynical but almost. But he has his own sense of duty and of what’s right. I get the impression that he’s probably liked well enough but compares himself to Thorongil more than others probably do. You can see how he could be liked and how he could be a great leader, but also how paranoia and the desire for knowledge and power could lead him astray. I like Turgon. Not so much as a person but as a character. He’s a great bit of relief, completely saucy and disrespectful. He seems to have a good enough heart and is deeply loyal, but I need to be persuaded that he wouldn’t look after number one first. Very interesting view of Finduilas! LOL. Denethor is such a strategist that he sees connections everywhere, whether they’re real or not. I find myself really wanting to meet Finduilas and see if she and her family are just as he suggests… I kind of feel sorry for Denethor here. I get the feeling he loves her but is over-thinking it and genuinely doesn’t seem to believe that he can act on love alone. He tries to do the right thing but tries so hard that it ends up going wrong. There is only one heart that I refuse to cede to Thorongil – the Steward’s. Ouch. That’s a glimpse of very real pain in Denethor and it’s very moving. He thinks so sourly of how Thorongil has captivated everyone but it’s genuine hurt that Ecthelion is so enamoured by him. What a pity that he doesn’t seem to be able to do anything about it other than let that turn to bitterness. I love reading about Thorongil from Denethor’s POV. He comes across as a right pain in the ass to command. A teeny tiny part of me was actually hoping Denethor could find him and drag him home where he could keep an eye on him while maintaining appearances to all those in Minas Tirith! Me, I’d have left him to his orcs. Except that he’s managed to enchant me too and we haven’t even met him yet… And aha, it turns out that Throrongil wasn’t just being wilful – it was slaves, not orcs that led him to disobey. I like how you have Denethor reluctantly admit to himself that Thorongil had good reason and wasn’t usually so disobedient, even if he was bloody annoying in his general and acclaimed, uh, fabulousness. It was a very chilling insight too into the world that they live in now with the slaves being taken to Sauron and apparently not escaping for long if they even managed at all. Denethor’s reaction of “compassion mingling with disgust” was a very human one, I thought. And what tension you have building in the second half of the story! You can see what a good leader and soldier Denethor is. He might get frustrated but he seems more at ease when confronted with things he can try and do something about. “Cirion,” he said slowly, “whose horse is that?” The boy took in a hitching breath answered without taking his eyes off the animal. “Captain Thorongil’s.” Oh my God. I went cold at that! The boy’s shock and dread really came across. Denethor seems to have got himself into quite a situation, with a dead horse, a horrified boy and a terrified slave. And now it seems that Thorongil has gone over a cliff. Someone needs to go rescue him, don’t you think? This is fantastic, Meckinock. I was so excited to see a new story from you. And as always, I’m eagerly looking forward to more :-) Author Reply: Dot, it's always such a delight to read your reviews. I'm glad you liked hungover Denethor. To be honest, I never went out of my way to read about him, either. He started growing on me as a tragically flawed hero and I found I wanted to get to know him better. So I don't know if I'm doing him justice, but I really find myself liking him, so I'm glad you do, too. I especially liked your observation that he is such a strategist that he's making connections even where there aren't any. Exactly! He's so calculating that he assumes everyone else is, too. Although there may be some truth in his assumption about Finduilas's patience wearing thin - but really, can you blame the girl. And I agree that he probably compares himself to Thorongil more than others do. I wonder if maybe Denethor is inwardly insecure about his worthiness to be loved, and this accounts for both his pain at seeing his father love Thorongil and his reticence to pop the question. Just thinkin' out loud... And I do believe he is highly competent and capable, and I'm glad that came across, as well. Even when he is annoyed. But fear not. Someone is rescuing Thorongil right now, as we speak... Thanks, Dot. I love your reviews. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/20/2007 |
| Oh joy, oh joy, another story by you. You have made my day, and I have taken my time reading and enjoying the first chapter. Poor Denethor, he has his problems, and not all brought on by the ale he drank last night. Must have gauled him to left so many glasses in Thorongil's name. Plus he has lady troubles too. Meanwhile Thorongil (Aka Aragorn), has taken to flying off of cliffs. Maybe it is the water down below that holds the attraction for him. Felt in need of a drink or a bath. Looking forward to more. Author Reply: Grumpy! You always make my day. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Poor Denethor, yeah. Not only does he have a hangover; he got it from drinking toasts to Thorongil LOL. Re the clifff: I don't know if Aragorn EVER wanted a bath that badly... | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/20/2007 |
| Poor Denethor. The idea of the golden boy turning up and winning everybody's love and admiration is much sadder when you see it from Denethor's side of the fence. And especially so when you see him fearing that the one heart that matters to him most - his father's - is being offered to Thorongil. And I love the way he is up to all the twists and turns that might follow his deciding to leave the dilatory Thorongil out there in the field to enjoy Mettare in the mud. Maybe he's just a little too aware of all the potential political ramifications - but then again, maybe he has reason. On the other hand, I rather hope that he is at least a bit concerned about his relationship with his future wife! And that he is slowing down enough to allow himself to be caught. Especially if he is about to feel the weight of Dol Amroth's wrath towards one toying with the loyalties of its princess! Turgon is a little - direct, I think, for Denethor's taste. But if he's in the family, he's in the family! (I wonder if he manages to be a good deal more suave and charming with the ladies. Not at all impossible.) But action-Denethor! Riding off to the rescue and helping save unhygienic slaves - and shadows of another cliff-top adventure! I hope Thorongil isn't down the bottom of the drop being snogged by another horse. (Although that was the best part of that interlude by far!) Loved this. And, what is more, was very pleased to see the 'in progress' tag! I'm looking forward to furthering my acquaintance with pre-Palantir Denethor! Author Reply: "Poor Denethor" really sums it up. I really think part of his downfall is that he was so good at thinking and analyzing five steps ahead, he became addicted to knowledge - thus the attraction of the Palantir. He's very like Saruman, in that way. On the other hand I do think he's concerned about Finduilas - beyond the Dol Amroth war party making its way to Minas Tirith :-) I hope Thorongil isn't down the bottom of the drop being snogged by another horse. (Although that was the best part of that interlude by far!) LOL. I did enjoy that, too. Thorongil's horse is a bit past snogging at the moment, though -perhaps he can settle for a turtle. Thanks, Bodkin. | |
| jack bauer | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/19/2007 |
| A new Meckinock story. I just might die of happiness. (Yes, this review served major constructive criticism, noteworthy praise, and otherwise useful feedback purposes, I know.) Author Reply: I might just die of flattery. Thank you so much, and all the concrit and useful feedback is duly noted :-) | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/19/2007 |
| What a treat to find a new story from you. Great writing,I felt as if I were there and you have me worried about Aragorn. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Linda. It is a treat for me that you enjoyed it. | |
| Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/19/2007 | |
| A new story! By yoooooouuu! *does a dance* I believe that adequately sums up my feelings at the moment. Author Reply: I think the closest approximation of my reaction to this is *stares at screen, grinning stupidly.* I deeply appreciate all reviews, and the long, thoughtful, detailed ones are special and treasured in their own way, but you make me feel like I just got one of those little paper Valentines like you used to get in grade school. And I haven't gotten one of those in a long time. | |